The Seattle Seahawks have achieved a significant milestone by signing Jaxon Smith-Njigba to the highest-paying contract for a wide receiver in NFL history. The new deal, which is a four-year extension worth $168.6 million, averages an impressive $42.15 million annually.
Details of Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s Record-Breaking Contract
The Seahawks’ decision to secure Smith-Njigba’s extension came just days after exercising the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, extending through 2027. The lucrative contract includes a guaranteed sum of $69.1 million at signing and $120.1 million for injury protection, as reported by Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio.
Projected Earnings Over Six Seasons
With this deal, Smith-Njigba is poised to earn a total of $195.2 million over the next six seasons, averaging about $32.5 million each year. The breakdown includes various bonuses and salary structures, which are detailed as follows:
- Signing Bonus: $35 million
- Guaranteed Option Bonus for 2027: $30 million
- Option Bonus for 2029: $10 million
Year-by-Year Cash Breakdown
According to Spotrac, here is the year-by-year cash breakdown for Smith-Njigba’s contract:
| Year | Cash |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $36.5 million |
| 2027 | $32.6 million |
| 2028 | $19.9 million |
| 2029 | $31 million |
| 2030 | $33.3 million |
| 2031 | $41.8 million |
Salary Cap Implications
The following outlines the projected salary cap hits for the Seahawks as it relates to Smith-Njigba’s contract:
| Year | Salary Cap Hit | Percentage of Cap |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $10.4 million | 3.4% |
| 2027 | $15.6 million | 4.8% |
| 2028 | $32.9 million | 9.3% |
| 2029 | $36 million | 9.6% |
| 2030 | $48.3 million | 12.15% |
| 2031 | $49 million | 11.5% |
| 2032 | $2.5 million | Void Year |
This groundbreaking contract sets a new standard for wide receivers in the league and reflects the Seahawks’ commitment to investing in their star player.
